When Thompson departed in November 2008 he stepped into the role of caretaker manager and made an impressive start, persuading the club committee to hand him the reins permanently.

As a player Mark started out as a junior at Luton, then Milton Keynes Borough before moving to Northampton Town where a double compound fracture to his left leg meant 18 months out of football and an end to his higher level playing career. On his return he played locally for Aylesbury-based side Stocklake and then Pitstone & Ivinghoe.

With the latter he spent ten successful years and eventually became player/manager, which started the transition into the dugout. Also had a coaching spell at Holmer Green before joining the Ducks.

Was an integral part of the rebranding of Aylesbury Vale as Aylesbury FC in the summer of 2009 when he took the majority of United's squad to Haywood Way, and after leaving the Moles he had a brief spell in charge of Hemel Hempstead Town.